Friedel, now facing competition from Hugo Lloris, denied Robert Snodgrass twice and also saved brilliantly from Anthony Pilkington to suggest that his run of 307 consecutive Premier League starts may not come to an end when Spurs take on Reading after the international break.

"Brad deserves to keep his place at the moment," Villas-Boas said. "In the first half he was outstanding.

"Brad deserves full credit for what he has been doing in pre-season and throughout his time in the Premier League.

"You also have to look into the future and we have done a good transfer in bringing Lloris in."